Brent Weaver

Paying tribute to the fallen heroes whose sacrifices paved the way for America’s freedom and who have given their lives to protect this nation and its citizens is important to Southeast Texans as evidenced by the many Memorial Day community celebrations across the area commemorating those brave souls.

The citizenry spoke and the city listened, unanimously approving a resolution opposing the removal of the Brooks Road overpass as proposed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), part of an ongoing interstate widening project.

During the Beaumont City Council’s final meeting of 2017, held Dec. 19, citizens approached the podium to tell their representatives why they feel the overpass is needed and should not be removed. Beaumont resident Patrick Phelan told the council the overpass provides convenient and safe passage for those who live in nearby neighborhoods.

While we harbor no disrespect for the Wall Street Journal who called us “that scrappy little paper from Southeast Texas,” we prefer to think of ourselves as simple seekers of the truth. We’re of the opinion that headlines and sound bites never tell the whole story. Our readers demand all the facts, facets and flavors of every story or event. And, they expect to be informed, educated and stirred to action.